Peace silver dollar values.

The 30-second version

A circulated common-date Peace dollar (e.g., 1922, 1923, 1925) trades around $28–$40wholesale — close to its silver content (0.7734 oz pure). Choice Mint State examples of common dates run $60–$200. The series keys — 1921 high relief, 1928-P, and 1934-S — reach $500–$50,000+ depending on grade.

A quick history

Peace dollars were authorized after World War I to commemorate the return of peace. Anthony de Francisci's design shows a young Liberty obverse and a perched eagle gripping an olive branch on the reverse. The series ran 1921–1928 and again 1934–1935, for a total of 24 date-and-mintmark combinations.

Mint marks

The mint mark sits on the reverse, just under the word ONE:

• (blank) — Philadelphia.
• D — Denver.
• S — San Francisco.

Key dates to know

• 1921 (high relief)— the only year the design was struck in high relief, before being lowered for the press. Circulated: $120–$300. Mint state: $600–$3,000+ depending on grade.
• 1928 (Philadelphia)— lowest Peace dollar mintage at 360,649 pieces. Circulated: $300–$500. Mint state: $700–$4,000+.
• 1934-S— the conditional rarity. Common in circulated grades (~$100), but truly scarce in Mint State. MS-65 examples have brought $15,000–$50,000+ at auction.
• 1924-S, 1925-S, 1927-S, 1933-S— semi-keys. Tougher in high grades; circulated examples run $50–$200.

Common dates: most of the series

The majority of Peace dollars in collections today are common dates — 1922 and 1923 alone account for over 135 million coins struck. Pricing for common dates:

• Circulated (VG–XF): close to silver melt, about $28–$40.
• About Uncirculated (AU): $35–$55.
• Mint State 60–63: $45–$80.
• Mint State 64: $80–$150.
• Gem Mint State 65: $200–$500.
• Superb Gem (MS-66/67): $700–$5,000+, depending on date.

The 1964-D Peace dollar

A famous footnote: the U.S. Mint struck Peace dollars dated 1964 at Denver in 1965, then ordered them all melted before release. Any example surviving is technically illegal to own. If you think you have one, do not advertise it — consult a numismatist privately first.

Strike, luster, and toning

Peace dollars are notoriously softly struck, especially around Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. Strong-strike examples in Mint State command a premium even when the certified grade is the same. Original peripheral toning — especially blue-gold rainbow toning — can add 25–100% to high-grade value. As always: don’t clean them.

What to do next

1. Sort by date and mint mark (no mark, D, S). Don’t clean.
2. Pull aside any 1921 (look for the high-relief reverse), 1928-Philadelphia, and 1934-S coins, plus any that look uncirculated.
3. Photograph the obverse and reverse of each notable coin.
4. Send the photos to a working numismatist for a free appraisal.